A Bug's Life

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

1998 became unexpectedly a success for Randy Newman. Pleasantville became one of the most effective scores during the movie of its year and along with A Bug's Life it earned him a nomination for best original score and one for his song 'The Time of Your Life'. Together all what Newman needed now was a bit of luck because the contenders were nothing but big names. And even if I can appreciate this score when it comes down to a listen once or twice, it isn't especially an Oscar contender in my book. Since I discovered Newman's obvious knack for these scores, I also encountered that they listen harder outside of the movie. Toy Story was the first and now A Bug's Life. And in all the craziness around Award nominations, it is effective and perfect for the movie but not so enchanting on disc. Even though the score has a typical Randy Newman song and an overall attractive main theme, A Bug's Life was in no way an equal contender like Mulan or The Prince of Egypt was, if we stay in the animation, computer technological world of movies. Of course what any Newman scores identifies as the pinnacle trademark is the usual entry of Randy Newman's vocal talents. His voice isn't mister clarity and "who cares" will people say when you can listen to Michael Jackson or Queen instead. But it has heart, a personality and a twisted magic that makes it unique, 'The Time of Your Life' is still one of Newman's best in the genre. Apart from the jazzy 'The Flik Machine' and 'The City' it is the more typical Toy Story style that returns. And while better then its adapting score, it still will not satisfy everyone listening. Newman doesn't do it the traditional way and will insert dissonance and instrumental carnage when the scene calls for it.

The main theme of A Bug's Life is good, and deserved more attention. Its first appearance is in the track 'Flik Leaves' and the best performance will be enjoyed by everyone in 'A Bug's Life Suite'. This is a great track and has the best thematic material to present, sadly all the way at the end. And while the score isn't all sunshine it still listens better then the Toy Story music. Also worth noting is the frenetic and fierce action theme in 'Red Alert' and 'The Bird Flies', especially worth remembering in the last for its short but supreme performance. But in the end I heard better scores in the genre and not everything of Randy Newman's music satisfied me. Luckily the movie helped a great deal in appreciating the score more for its effective working during all the stunning scenes. Pleasantville is linked to the sound several times but at the end I came to the conclusion that I enjoyed the score for the other bugs movie Antz more while on the other hand the movie A Bug's Life satisfied me more in comical nature as story telling. And a part to that credit has to be given to Randy Newman's score for its perfect fit. People who know what to expect from Randy Newman, especially from the Toy Story score will more or likely be pleased but those concentrating solely on the Pleasantville magic will not discover the same wit as charm. A Bug's Life has its moments, but sadly those highlights decide the overall quotation and not the feeling from the entire score doing that for me instead.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. The Time Of Your Life: Randy Newman (3.15)

2. The Flik Machine (2.53)

3. Seed To Tree (1.00)

4. Red Alert (1.49)

5. Hopper And His Gang (3.20)

6. Flik Leaves (2.37) Excellent Track

7. Circus Bugs (1.26)

8. The City (2.34)

9. Robin Hood (0.58)

10. Return To Colony (1.31)

11. Flik's Return (1.24)

12. Loser (2.43)

13. Dot's Rescue (4.00)

14. Atta (1.08)

15. Don't Come Back (1.07)

16. Grasshoppers Return (3.00)

17. The Bird Flies (2.38)

18. Ants Fight Back (2.13)

19. Victory (2.32)

20. A Bug's Life Suite (5.12) Excellent Track

Total Length: 47.43

The use of artwork or photos is posted for non profitable reasons

=== Link to Composer Site: Randy Newman ===